Waiting for greening of Bordeaux

THE specially erected bars and tents are in situ for the Irish invasion at the Bordeaux Rugby Village on the banks of the Garonne — but all was quiet yesterday afternoon.

“Ou est ‘Le Green Army’?” sighed a local bar man as he again wiped a perfectly clean counter.

We were reliably informed by the temporary Irish Consulate in Place de la Bourse that “Eddie’s Army” was, however, on the way.

It is expected the Irish will take the city by storm in the same fashion as a Celtic tribe did 2000 years ago when they founded what is today the capital of the Aquataine region.

The Quai de Chartrons that houses Le Rugby Village is expecting up to 15,000 visitors this weekend, but as things stand getting a beer won’t be a problem and there appears to be a plentiful supply of tickets available for tomorrow’s Namibia tie.

Those who find the short tram ride to the Stade Chaban-Delmas too taxing can enjoy the match on a giant screen (over 20 metres square) which will also broadcast 40 games.

It’s extremely warm as well, with temperatures hitting the high twenties and it was a day for a lazy stroll around the fashionable shopping district, Rue Saint Catherine.

Undoubtedly this is where the WAGS will be hanging out. The Irish WAGS are called “scrummies” and some have pitched up near the team hotel on Bordeaux-Le-Lac, a 20-minute drive from town.

Those who weren’t out shopping yesterday but enjoying the local cuisine were Claire O’Connell from Cork and Phil Finnan, sporting his Leinster shirt, from Dublin.

Phil was seduced by the delights of the city on the Garonne, but is a little worried that Ireland won’t get out of their pool.

“We’d be doing well to qualify for the quarter-final. It would be a achievement if they did but we’re up against it. We should put a big score on the Namibians on Sunday but the Irish could be affected by the warm weather. We’ll have to wait and see.”

The wait for the Green Invasion goes on too.